Vinyl pressings
by O'Chi Brown · 1986
Two Hearts Beating As One was first pressed on vinyl in 1986. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
9 pressings came out in 1986, the album's first year, in 4 countries. Compare the label and catalog number on your copy, then the codes etched or stamped in the runout groove (the dead wax around the label): they are the surest sign of an early pressing.
MAGT 297 A1 Noel ΛA-side runout, etched / stamped
MAGT-297-B1 ΛB-side runout, etched / stamped
MAGT 297 A*Label, A-side
MAGT 297 B*Label, B-side
MAG 297 A1 Noel <Runout Side A [Etched]
MAG 297 B 3Runout Side B [Etched]
MAG 297 A*Label Side A
MAG 297 B*Label Side B
MAGT ̶B̶ 297R-A1 Noel ΛEtchings Side A
MAGT ̶B̶ 297R-B1 M̶A̶G̶T̶ ̶2̶9̶7̶R̶B ΛEtchings Side B
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1986 | Canada | Magnet MAGT 297First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single |
| 1986 | Germany | Magnet 608.680 / Magnet MAGL S 608.680First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1986 | UK | Magnet MAGT-297DJFirst year12", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 12", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1986 | UK | Magnet MAGT 297 RFirst year12" | 12" |
| 1986 | US | Mercury PRO 471-1First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo, Stereo · Promo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
| 1986 | US | Mercury 888 300-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1986 | UK | Magnet MAGT 297First year12", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1986 | UK | Magnet MAG 297First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1986 | UK | Magnet MAGT 297 RFirst year12", 45 RPM, Single | 12", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1987 | US | Mercury 888 300-112", 33 ⅓ RPM | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM |
10 vinyl pressings of Two Hearts Beating As One are listed here, from 4 countries, released between 1986 and 1987.
The earliest pressings are from 1986, in UK, US, Canada, Germany. One of them is Magnet MAGT 297, released October 4, 1986.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use MAGT 297, MAG 297, MAGT 297 R, MAGT-297DJ) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, MAGT 297 A1 Noel Λ and MAGT-297-B1 Λ. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
It depends on which pressing you have and on the condition of the record and its sleeve. Early pressings from the album's home country in near mint condition are usually worth the most; common later reissues are worth far less. Scan your copy with VinylLens to see its value for every grade.
